The late Paul Newman was a renowned philanthropist; now, his children carry his legacy. Here is all we know about Paul Newman’s children.
The multifaceted actor Paul Newman was a force to reckon with while he was alive, having a career many could only dream of. But his greatest legacy is his children.
Who Was Paul Newman?
Paul Leonard Newman was an American actor, film director, race car driver, philanthropist, and entrepreneur. He was born on January 26, 1925, in Shaker Heights, Ohio, a suburb of Cleveland, to parents Theresa Garth and Arthur Sigmund Newman.
He graduated from Shaker Heights High School in 1943 and briefly attended Ohio University in Athens, Ohio. The multitalented actor got drafted into the army and served in the United States Navy in World War II, in the Pacific theater until 1948.
After completing his service, Paul received his Bachelor of Arts in drama and economics from Kenyon College in 1949. Paul showed an interest in acting and theater at the very young age of seven when he got his first role, playing the court jester in a school production of Robin Hood.
At age 10, he was already doing some gigs and performed in a stage production of Saint George and the Dragon at the Cleveland Play House. After touring with several summer stock companies, he got his first starring Broadway role in “Picnic” in 1953. He had a successful career, working with some notable names in the movie industry.
He won numerous awards, including an Academy Award, a BAFTA Award, three Golden Globe Awards, a Screen Actors Guild Award, a Primetime Emmy Award, and many more. Apart from being a great actor, Paul also had other interests and was a race car driver and philanthropist. He died on September 26, 2008, after a long battle with cancer.
Who Are Paul Newman’s Children?
Paul was married twice and fathered six children during his lifetime. His first wife was Jackie Witte, and his second was the reputable Joanne Woodward. Let’s take a look at the actor’s family tree.
Paul Newman and Jackie Witte’s Children
Paul married his first wife, Jackie Witte, in 1949 at 24. The late Witte was an actress turned model and a mother of three. She met Paul in college at 19, and the two fell in love almost instantly.
With their many similarities and dreams of making it into the movie industry, their love for each other grew, and they soon got married. The couple had three children together before divorcing in 1958.
Scott Newman (1950 – 1978)
Scott was the firstborn child and only son of Paul and Jackie Witte. He was born on September 23, 1950. He dropped out of college in the 1960s to pursue a career in the movie industry like his father but was unsuccessful. Some of the movies he featured in include “The Great Waldo Pepper,” “The Towering Inferno,” “Breakheart Pass,” and “Fraternity Row.”
Afterward, the celebrity child tried to make it as a stuntman, changing his name to “William Scott.” When that didn’t work out, he attempted to be a singer.
Scott died in a Los Angeles hotel room when he fatally overdosed in 1978. He was only 28 years old. He reportedly took painkillers following a motorcycle accident, and with his tendency to drink, the mixture of pills and alcohol led to his early demise.
Following his son’s death, Paul Newman established the Scott Newman Center, aimed at helping healthcare professionals and teachers educate children about the dangers of alcohol and drug abuse.
Stephanie Newman
Stephanie Newman is the second child from Paul and Witte’s union. She was born in 1951 and has lived a quiet life ever since. Not much is known about her because she decided to avoid the spotlight.
Susan Newman
Paul’s third child, Susan Newman, is a former actress, documentary filmmaker, and philanthropist. Born in 1953, Susan has significantly followed in her father’s footsteps in the entertainment industry. She has multiple Broadway and screen credits, including a starring role as one of four Beatles fans in “I Wanna Hold Your Hand” and a small role opposite her father in “Slap Shot.”
Susan retired in 2015 after having a successful and awarded career in the industry to focus more on her work as a philanthropist. Subsequently, she assumed the role of Executive Director in nonprofit groups focused on alcohol/drug prevention and child welfare.
The retired actress has traveled worldwide to promote awareness of these issues and continues working for nonprofit organizations.
Paul Newman and Joanne Woodward’s Children
Paul and Joanne Woodward’s marriage has often been referred to as one for the books. The two married in 1958 and remained together for 50 years until Paul died in 2008.
Paul reportedly met the actress in 1953 on the set of Broadway’s “Picnic,” the two felt a connection. In 1957, he decided to divorce Witte to marry Woodward, much to the dismay of his first wife.
Woodward and Paul also had three children, all daughters, together.
Nell Newman
Just one year after Paul and the “A Big Hand for the Little Lady” star married, they had their first daughter, Nell, in 1959. Nell quickly followed in her parent’s footsteps and became a child actor featuring in movies such as “The Effect of Gamma Rays,” “Rachel, Rachel,” and “Fed Up!” (2002). She later left the acting world to focus on charity work and established her Nell Newman Foundation.
Nell also co-founded and ran Newman’s Own Organics, a branch of Newman’s Own, until 2014. In contrast to her siblings, Nell maintains a visible online presence, frequently posting photos and nostalgic moments with her parents. She married Gary Irving in 2005 and has no children.
Melissa Newman
Melissa is another Newman kid who has taken after her parents in the entertainment industry. She was born in 1961, three years into her parents’ marriage. Growing up, she also featured in a few movies, including “Mr. and Mrs. Bridge,” “The Undefeated,” and “Sometimes a Great Notion,” with her mother and father being her co-stars in a couple of them.
In recent years, Melissa has focused more on some charity work and reportedly volunteers at a women’s prison in Connecticut. She is married to Raphael Elkind, and they have two kids: Henry Elkind and Peter Elkind.
Claire Olivia Newman
Claire is the last-born child of the “Absence of Malice” actor and Woodward. She was born on April 21, 1965, and grew up with two older siblings. Like her older sisters and parents, Claire Olivia Newman started with a career in acting before moving on to philanthropic work.
She acted in and produced movies like “The Big C,” “Mad Men,” “Big Little Lies,” “Penny Dreadful,” and “Sharp Objects.”
Claire’s philanthropic commitment led to the founding of SeriousFun Children’s Network, globally empowering children facing severe illnesses with transformative opportunities. Her dedication to helping young children has impacted the lives of over 50,000 children since she began.
In summary, Paul Newman’s enduring legacy thrives through his children, whose charitable endeavors touch countless lives with lasting impact.